pendulum

pen·du·lum

(pĕn′jə-ləm, pĕn′dyə-, pĕn′də-)

n.

1. A body suspended from a fixed support so that it swings freely back and forth under the influence of gravity, commonly used to regulate various devices, especially clocks. Also called simple pendulum.

2. Something that swings back and forth from one course, opinion, or condition to another: the pendulum of public opinion.

pendulum

(ˈpɛndjʊləm)

n

1. (General Physics) a body mounted so that it can swing freely under the influence of gravity. It is either a bob hung on a light thread (simple pendulum) or a more complex structure (compound pendulum)

2. (Horology) such a device used to regulate a clockwork mechanism

3. something that changes its position, attitude, etc fairly regularly: the pendulum of public opinion.

[C17: from Latin pendulus pendulous]

pen•du•lum

(ˈpɛn dʒə ləm, ˈpɛn dyə-, -də-)

n.

1. a body so suspended from a fixed point as to move to and fro by the action of gravity and acquired momentum.

2. a swinging lever, weighted at the lower end, for regulating the speed of a clock mechanism.

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